Walking is often underrated as a form of exercise. Maybe your friends are obsessed with high-impact activities like running, weight lifting, and other workouts. But sometimes the simplest things are the best. There are so many benefits to walking that it’s hard to know where to start. While walking is not as challenging or intense as other exercises, yet it provides many benefits including stress reduction, better heart health, and muscle toning. Plus it is a low-impact activity, meaning it’s kind to your joints. In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of walking and how you can make it a part of your daily routine for enhanced wellness.
Some benefits of walking
Walking has many benefits for our physical and mental health. Some benefits of walking are:
-Walking can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
-Walking can also help to improve our mental health and well-being, by reducing stress levels and improving our mood.
-Walking is a great way to get some exercise, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or cost anything to do.
-Walking can also help us meet new people and make new friends, as well as give us time to think and reflect.
How to get started walking
Before you begin a walking program, it’s important to check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions that might limit your ability to exercise. Once you have the all-clear, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your walks. The key is to find a pace that feels comfortable for you and stick with it. Don’t overlook the need for comfortable attire and a good pair of walking shoes.
If you’re not used to exercising regularly, starting a walking routine can be difficult. If you’re new to exercise, start with 10-minute walks and gradually build up to 30 minutes or more per day. Walking at a moderate pace can be challenging enough for someone just starting out, so there’s no need to go all-out from the get-go. There’s no need to go too fast or too far – just do what feels comfortable for you. However, walking is a great way to get moving and improve your health and fitness. As your fitness level improves, you can start to challenge yourself by walking further. And if you’re looking for an extra challenge, try adding some hills or challenges to your route or even to pick up the pace. Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Walking is meant to be enjoyable, so make sure you find a pace that suits you, and stick with it.
Making it a daily routine
Starting your day with a brisk walk can help set the tone for a healthy day. The best part, it’s easy to do and costs nothing. For some of us, getting into the discipline of waking up early could be a challenge. It’s ok that you had to miss walking on a day when something came up or you just did not feel like going for a walk. The key is not to let those days become the norm. Once you establish walking as a daily routine, keep it regular as you would brush your teeth before having breakfast. That’s where having an accountability partner comes in handy. Having someone to walk with (or even just check in with regularly) can help you stick to your goals and make walking a part of your daily routine. It will be an investment in your health and fitness.
And the best thing about walking is that you can walk a different route every day. It adds some fun. You can decide to walk the inner city roads on one day, and the beachfront on the next day, as you would wish. Just enjoy it. I live in a city suburb. My wife and I would normally go for a 30-minute brisk walk, choosing to walk along inner city roads with less traffic. We will end the walk with a sprint up a flight of stairs leading to a park area, to do some stretch exercises for about 15 minutes. I am fortunate to live near the ocean-facing beach and some hilly terrain on the other side of the city. On weekends we may decide between these two options, spending more than an hour at a more leisurely pace, still towards a good sweat out. On some weekend days, we would get some of our friends to join us.
The best time of day to walk
The best time of day to walk is in the morning, before breakfast. Start early before your day gets too busy. Walking in the morning, also gives you the opportunity to organise the rest of your day. Walking on an empty stomach will help you burn more fat. Another good time to walk is in the evening, after dinner. A leisurely walk in the evening helps your body digest food and can aid in weight loss.
Some tips to make walking a habit
- Start small – if you’re just starting out, begin with 10 minutes daily. Once it becomes a part of your routine, you can gradually increase the time.
- Set a goal – set a specific goal for yourself, such as walking 30 minutes a day, three times a week. This will help keep you motivated.
- Mix it up – try different walking routes to keep things interesting and explore your neighborhood or town.
- Make it social – invite friends or family members to join you for a walk. Not only will it be more enjoyable, but you’ll also be more likely to stick with it. Alternately, have a regular activity partner, or someone to check in with regularly.
- Be prepared – always have comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing handy so you can grab them and go at a moment’s notice.
- Schedule it in – If walking is not your daily routine, remind yourself of your walks – schedule it into your calendar like any other appointment and make sure to stick to it.
- Get a pedometer – wearing one of these can help motivate you by showing you just how much activity you’re getting each day. These days you can have a pedometer app on your handphone or wear an activity watch that tracks your steps, as it will your heartbeat, among other features.
Conclusion – Is it for you?
Walking is a great way to improve your health, and it’s something you can do at no cost. It’s also a low-impact exercise, which means it’s easy on your joints. Start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you walk each day. You’ll be surprised at how good you feel after just a few weeks. However, if walking just doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there are lots of other ways to get active that could work better. Consider also swimming, biking, or dancing. The important thing is finding something that works for you and making it part of your regular routine. Cheers! Here’s to your good health 🙂
